Red rock desert surrounds Moab, Utah, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,600 feet creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. The Colorado River corridor provides scattered shade trees and water access for campers, while most glamping sites remain perched on higher ground with unobstructed views. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during day but can drop below 60°F at night.
What to do
Hiking to nearby arches: Devils Garden Campground puts you minutes from exceptional hiking trails. "The best part about this simple campground is that hiking paths to several arches are a convenient walk from camp. This made exploring easy," notes Stacie H. about camping in Devils Garden Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at Dead Horse Point State Park creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The sky at night is breathtaking. It's like being at a planetarium," shares Colleen B. about her stay at Wingate Campground. Many glamping sites include outdoor seating specifically positioned for stargazing.
Horseback riding: For equestrian adventures combined with luxury canvas accommodations, Ok RV Park & Canyonlands Stables offers a unique experience. "We used Ok Campground as a home based for exploring the national parks in the area. It was a good, quiet campground for us to return to each night," notes Chris G.
What campers like
Proximity to national parks: Many campers appreciate how Moab's glamping options position them for early park access. "Dead Horse is great for views but your park pass does not work here. The campgrounds are prior to the fee entrance which is great," explains Natalie B. from her stay at Kayenta Campground.
Clean facilities: Williams Bottom Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite its primitive setting. "Easy to access campsite just off the road. Scenic views across the river and good shade from cliffside made for a comfortable evening outside. Plenty of restrooms, and trash receptacles," reports Jeremy W. about his experience at Williams Bottom Campground.
Community spaces: Several glamping sites offer community kitchens and gathering areas. "The kitchen is awesome - stocked with pots and pans and plenty of room to cook even if you're sharing the space with other groups. Same with the bathrooms - really clean, spacious and hot water," explains Rosie F. about HTR Moab.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak season (March-October). "We arrived on the later side of things and every camp area was full, in all of Moab, KOA had four cabins available so we snatched one up," shares Melissa K. about Moab KOA.
Wind and dust concerns: Desert conditions affect tent camping and glamping alike. "It was very windy while we were here so the camp shelter in each site was a life saver... This campground is very exposed so be prepared for it to be cold and windy," warns Lacey O. about Wingate Campground.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. "No water here so bring your own. Nearest hospital and store are 30 minutes away," cautions Colleen B. about camping at Dead Horse Point State Park. Most glamping accommodations include water service.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "Nice playground and splash pad for the kids! We were at a tent sight which was close to the playground and bathrooms! We were able to pack up while the kids played," shares Caitlin C. about her family's experience at Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway.
Tent canopy options: Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway provides shelter structures for tent campers. "The tent spots had a nice canopy so your tent stays shaded and dry. Power and potable water. The staff was super helpful," explains Nathan H. about his experience at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
Wildlife encounters: Keep an eye out for desert wildlife at dusk. "We had a kit fox follow us around on a evening hike and even visited us at our campfire and hung out!!" shares Lauryn V. about her family's experience at Kayenta Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. "Great location right at the doorstep of Arches, and a bit outside of downtown Moab. Standard spots are a bit small, and you'll be dependent on the… social skills… of your neighbors with shared green space / picnic areas near the pads," advises David S. about Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
Electrical service issues: Some campgrounds experience electrical fluctuations. "50A service at our site and a couple next to us was spotty in its overall quality - probably an open ground or something. We made it work, though," notes David S. about his RV experience at Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway.
Arrival timing: Some BLM campgrounds fill quickly but cancellations create opportunities. "Spent (3) wonderful nights at Devil's Garden CG. Despite 'FULL' indicators at the park and campground entrances, I drove through and noticed a couple of sites open (cancellations)," shares Chris P. about scoring a site at Devils Garden Campground.
